Lake Hiawatha Resident Named Woman of Distinction

Parsippany-based announced Tuesday the winner of its second annual Women of Distinction Award. The recipient is Lake Hiawatha resident Karen DeChristopher, marketing administrator of the company’s Fumigation Division.

“I am honored to be named the Women of Distinction Award winner, but the recognition should be shared with all those in my life that I’ve been blessed to know,” said DeChristopher, who has been with the pest services company for 18 years. “I appreciate the mentoring I’ve received through the years at Western and look forward to serving my colleagues, my industry and my community in the years ahead.”

The Women of Distinction Award recognizes women at Western Pest Services who demonstrate outstanding personal leadership, are involved in the community, help develop women leaders within the company and contribute to the growth of the pest control industry.

“Karen is always willing to lend a helping hand to her friends and colleagues, but it is her sincerity and belief in others that makes her a distinguished member of our team,” said Tom Walters, president of Western Pest Services. “Our corporate philosophy has always been one of integrity, participation and giving back, and Karen exemplifies these cornerstone values.”

At Western Pest Services, DeChristopher supports the marketing and operations team by handling the day-to-day communications with U.S. and international clients and government agencies.  She also travels domestically and internationally with the team. DeChristopher has received Western's Circle of Excellence award four times, and this past September she was awarded Rollins' prestigious President's Club Award. 

Outside of work, DeChristopher is a Sunday school teacher and has volunteered as a mentor with Family Promise of Morris County (formerly Interfaith Council for Homeless Families of Morris County) since 2007. She is a trustee on the non-profits’ board of directors. Last November, she was the first recipient of Family Promise’s Community Impact Award and received a citation and resolution issued by Senator Anthony Bucco and the New Jersey legislature for all that she does for Family Promise and her community.

As a former graduate of the Parsippany Citizens Police Academy and a volunteer with the Parsippany Community Emergency Response Team, DeChristopher spent countless hours helping victims and first responders in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene last summer.

She also finds time to support activities at her church, the Food Pantry, Battered Women's Services, American Cancer Society and the Center for Hope Hospice.

Western Pest Services works to foster women’s professional growth through the Women of Distinction Awards, its Women’s Leadership Council, training programs and leadership development classes.